Scientific research transforms lives. Why is that so often forgotten? | Jess Cole

Unless researchers can persuade the public of the importance of their work, academia will never be an investment priority

Today's budget will set a clear direction for next year's important comprehensive spending review, in which the chancellor will unveil spending plans for 2020 and beyond. Over the coming months, different sectors will be battling it out for their share of the pie. For the UK's academic community, our push will be for increased investment in research and development.

We have a compelling case. Academic research drives prosperity and can help build a much more resilient and entrepreneurial UK economy, squarely rooted in incubating ideas which we turn into commercial success and skilled jobs.